PIAC is urging consumers to get involved in the Australian Government’s energy policy development process. The Australian Government is developing an Energy White Paper that will guide future government decisions on energy.
‘New Australian Governments often develop an Energy White Paper,’ said Carolyn Hodge, Senior Policy Officer in PIAC’s Energy and Water Consumers’ Advocacy Program. ‘Now is your chance to have your say on important energy issues’, Ms Hodge said.
The Australian Government released an Issues Paper in December 2013, with submissions due by 7 February 2014. Following that, a draft version will be released (known as a Green Paper), which is expected around May. The final White Paper is scheduled for release in September this year.
PIAC’s submission to the issues paper will cover electricity network costs, consumer preferences for reliability standards, reducing complaints against retailers, effective low-income support measures and coal-seam gas.
‘PIAC is highlighting some big issues in our submission,’ said Ms Hodge. ‘But it would be great if other residential consumers also got involved and had their say’.
PIAC’s submission will be available on our website shortly.